Hundreds of Rwandans and friends gathered in Bamako, the Malian capital for the 21st commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

That ceremony was held at Hotel Mande, on Sunday.

Five members of the Mali government, representatives of UN agencies, MINUSMA (UN peace keeping mission in Mali), non-governmental organisations and other high ranking officials attended the ceremony.

The event was marked by prayers, lighting the flame of hope and songs of remembrance.

The representative of the Rwandan community in Mali, Emmanuel Bigenimana, reminded those present the importance of remembering the victims of the GenocideBigenimana also urged Rwandans to fight Genocide denial.

We have the duty to remember our beloved ones who lost their lives and also to comfort survivors, he said.

As we reflect on this year’s commemoration, theme, ‘Remember, Unite, Renew’, we must unite because we share the same history, same culture, and same language.’’ he added.

He commended the Rwanda Patriotic Army (RPA) for stopping the Genocide and restoring peace in the country.

Bernard Kabagamba, a survivor, testified about how his family was wiped out during the Genocide before being saved by RPA.

A short documentary film that tells the story of the Genocide, its genesis, its preparation and execution was shown.

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